Why is my cat's anus red and swollen?

[heathergladden]

I noticed she was dragging her bottom on the carpet yesterday. Tonight I looked at her backside and noticed her anus is red, irritated, and swollen. She's a fat cat who can't clean herself very well, but that hasn't been an issue for the year-plus of her inability to clean up after the litterbox. I haven't changed her food or water habits, but I am using a new litter. She goes outside for about an hour or so daily. Any suggestions?

[Bkstreetgrl]

I have a new kitten, it was a rescue.  The anus of the cat is swollen and red.  It has even looked "neon" red after a stool.  It makes no cry's when it goes to the bathroom, but looks like it must hurt.  I don't think the cat is more than a month old. Other than the retal area, it acts completely normal.  Also, its stools are not loose, they look normal.   Can anyone tell me anything about a kitten at this age having such a sore looking behind?

robin

[PrettyKitty1]

You should take kitty to the vet. My cat started doing the same thing some time ago. Turns out he has serious digestive issues. The problem may not even be the rectum, it may be something else. She is trying to clean her behind by dragging herself on the floor. Sometimes, depending on the type of stool (hard, semi-hard, semi-soft, soft) it will get stuck on her butt, leading her to do what she does. Usually, this happens when the cat is constipated and it is always diet related.
Some cats need their glands exposed so they stop doing this. Others have more serious issues like inflammation in the colon (the case of my cat). But it is definitely diet related.
Consult the vet on what type of food she should eat.
Good Luck.

[Mrs_Savas]

She might be dehydrated, which can cause constipation and irritation of the anus and intestines.  If you only feed her dry food, then hydration is likely an issue, cat's get a large percentage of their hydration from food and the dry food/water bowl combination just doesn't provide the needed water.  

Another likely cause is inflammation/ irritation from having poo stuck on the area.  This will be especially true if there is bacteria in her feces which can result from parasites.  Since she goes outside, she could have picked up a tick or eaten something that gave her internal parasites.

Less likely, but possible is anal sac infection.  Cats and dogs have glands around the anus that can become infected.

There are other possibilities, but bottom line (so to speak) she needs to go to a vet.  She might need antibiotics, for one thing and probably and anti-parasitic (wormer).  And, I hate to say it, but she needs to lose some weight, I think.  These issues are common in overweight cats and she'll be healthier and more comfortable in a number of ways, if she is a bit trimmer.

You can discuss a good diet for her with your vet or look for one at a pet store.  If nothing else, try some of the senior cat low-calorie formulas, canned and dry.  That should work fine and have all the nutrients and hydration she needs.